[Insert project name] BIM uses

This checklist can be used during discussions between clients, Lead BIM Advisers, consultants and contractors as an
aid to identifying the BIM uses appropriate for a project. It can also help define the scope of each BIM use, which has
a significant impact on the level of service required.
This list is not exhaustive. Edit it to suit the project. If you think it contains inaccuracies or ambiguities, or you have
suggestions for improving it, please contact NATSPEC via email at bim@natspec.com.au

BIM USE CHECKLIST

Clause numbering follows that of the NATSPEC National BIM Guide.

7.1.1 Modelling existing conditions

Modelling scope?
a. Within property boundaries
b. Site plus immediately adjoining buildings and features
c. A defined precinct.
Level of model detail required?
a. Block forms only
d. Detailed modelling
e. Photorealistic modelling.
Modelling options:
a. Create 3D topo surface from survey information.
b. Model existing services and subsurface features from available information.
c. Model geotechnical conditions.
d. Integrate laser-scanned data about existing buildings, services, vegetation and features.
e. Subdivide large sites into sites for individual buildings, development phases, etc as required to
suit project requirements.

7.1.2 Site analysis

Analysis required?
a. Model planning setbacks, building envelopes, etc.
b. Map site gradients and drainage patterns.
c. Map access and circulation patterns.
d. Model view corridors, privacy patterns (into and out of the site).
e. Model solar access and shade patterns.
f. Model climatic influences, wind patterns, etc.

7.1.3 Space and equipment validation

Items to consider:
a. Reporting requirements, e.g. scope, format, frequency.
b. Architectural programming software (APS) to be used, e.g. Affinity, Codebook, dRofus
c. Purpose/s for which floor area will be measured and method/s of measurement:
 Program validation
 Leasing
 Floor space ratio

7.2 Architectural Modelling (Design)

7.2.1 Architecture – spatial and material design models
Items to consider:
a. What models will be required.
b. What model elements need to be included, or not, in each.
c. How model spaces and elements need to be modelled for particular BIM uses.
d. What data needs to be included in model elements.
e. The model development process.

7.2.2 Design visualisation for communication and functional analysis

Identify:
f. Model purpose

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g. Scope/extent of model/s
h. Intended users
i. Type:
 Static 3D renderings
 Animated models
 Walk/fly-throughs
 4D process sequencing
j. Level of detail (outline, photorealistic, etc)
Visualisation options:
a. Views of the building exterior.
b. Enhanced visualisations for presentation purposes using photorealistic rendering software and
photomontages of the proposed design in the context of the existing street or landscape.
c. Studies of overshadowing of adjoining properties at times nominated by the planning authority.
d. Views of the building interior.
e. Simulated videos of the building, e.g. ‘walk bys’, ‘fly overs’, ‘walk throughs’, ‘fly throughs’.

Functional Analysis options:

a. Walking distances between major functional spaces.
b. Sightlines for supervision and security purposes.
c. Process areas where timing and volume may be problematic, e.g. areas used for queuing,
waiting and delivery.
d. Supply, Processing, & Distribution (SPD) of materials.
e. Major building equipment clearance reservations for operation, repair, maintenance and
replacement using graphics or animations.
f. Colour coding of floor plates for determining space function types, department locations,
circulation zones and floor areas.

7.2.3 Code checking

Items to consider:
a. Model checking software to be used, e.g. Solibri
b. Codes and standards including clauses against which the model is to be checked

7.2.4 Sustainability evaluation

Items to consider:
a. Rating scheme used to evaluate the model, e.g. Green Star Office.
b. Properties to be assigned to model objects on the basis of the rating scheme criteria
c. Methods of measurement and scheduling of material quantities used by the rating scheme.

7.3 Structural Modelling and Analysis

Items to be identified in models provided to the structural engineer by other disciplines:
a. Location and extent of all major building elements including required penetrations and setdowns
for finishes.
b. Loadbearing and non-loadbearing elements.
c. Loadings by all major plant and equipment.

7.4 MEP Modelling and Analysis

7.4.1 Energy analysis
Analysis required?
a. Passive design analysis.
b. Mechanical systems analysis (See also virtual testing and balancing).
c. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
Items to consider:
a. (Certified) analysis applications to be used, e.g. LCADesign.
b. Material quantity methods of measurement
c. Source of product and material LCA data
d. (Internationally recognised) assessment standards.
e. Data application protocols

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7.4.2 Virtual testing and balancing

Items to consider:
a. Analysis application to be used, e.g. Trane/Trace or US Department of Energy (DOE) based
analysis programs.
b. File formats required, e.g. gbXML

7.4.3 Lighting analysis

Analysis required?
a. Daylighting and shading for evaluating options for window and skylight layouts, surface finishes,
reflectors, light shelves and window shading.
b. Artificial lighting for evaluating options for lighting layouts, lamp types and control systems.
c. Emergency evacuation lighting
Items to consider:
a. Codes and standards to be used.
b. Format for reporting and presenting results

7.4.4 Other engineering analysis

Fire engineering items to consider:
a. Modelling software to be used.
b. Passive and active fire control systems to be modelled, e.g. sprinklers
c. Codes and standards to be used

7.5 Quantity Take-off and Cost Planning

Items to consider:
a. Specialised application to be used, e.g. CostX.
b. Classification system for model elements that will apply for cost management and reporting.
c. Scope of use, e.g.:
i) Quantity take-off and costing only.
ii) 5D BIM – Costing data linked to 4D BIM, i.e. a model linked to time or scheduling data for
generating cash flow reports, etc.

7.6 Construction Models

7.6.1 Clash detection/coordination
Items to consider:
a. Clash detection priorities and program.
b. Clash detection procedures including quality assurance measures.
c. Clash detection rules.

7.6.3 Digital fabrication

Construction trades to provide fabrication models?
a. Structural Steelwork.
b. Mechanical System Ductwork.
c. MEP subcontractors (incorporate vendor models if available).
d. Curtain Walling.
e. Building Envelope Systems (rain screens, pre-cast panels, glazing systems).

7.6.4 & 7.6.5 Planning and communication of construction scheduling and sequencing – 4D
Modelling options:
a. Renovation work phasing plans for communication with the building’s occupants or tenants.
b. Communication of logistics that affect existing building operations or require shutdown of any
affected facilities and utilities.
c. Animated phasing plan addressing such issues as swing space during construction, parking
interruptions, and re-routing of pedestrian/vehicular traffic, or any other construction work that
could affect building operations.
d. Schedule planning and communication with the subcontractors.

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7.6.6 Site utilisation planning

Modelling options for planning purposes and communication with site personnel and building occupants:
a. Permanent and temporary on-site facilities.
b. Equipment and material locations and movements, including deliveries.

7.6.7 Lift planning

Lift plan models to address:
a. Location of cranes, hoists, rigging, etc.
b. Location of lifting team members.
c. Pick up and set down areas.
d. Lifting paths and load rotations.
e. Boom angles.
f. Crane boom and load clearances between other cranes, building elements, obstructions and
hazards (power lines, etc).

7.7 Facilities Management/As-built Models

Uses required?
a. Maintenance scheduling
b. Emergency response and repairs
c. Building services performance monitoring and management
d. Sustainability monitoring and management
e. Real estate/property and tenancy management
f. Space planning, tracking and management
g. Asset management
h. Move management
Items to consider:
a. FM software used by client or operator.
b. Data format, e.g. COBie, file types required.

7.7.1 COBie/commissioning
Items to consider:
a. Format of COBie deliverables, e.g. spreadsheets, application export.

7.7.2 Other FM information handover/commissioning systems

Items to consider:
a. Scope of FM information required.
b. Method of organising and indexing information.
c. Software applications required to access and/or manage the information.
d. File formats required.

7.7.3 Security assessment and disaster planning

Items to consider:
a. Information requirements and emergency protocols of local emergency service providers.
b. Items to be identified in the model, e.g. exit routes, assembly points, fire hydrants, isolation
valves and cut-off switches, emergency warning and intercommunication system controls.
c. Links to the Building Management System.

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This proforma outlines information that can be provided to consultants and contractors bidding on a project. It is not
exhaustive. Edit it to suit the project. The completed document is generally appended to the Request for Proposal
(RFP). If you think this proforma contains inaccuracies or ambiguities, or you have suggestions for improving it,
please contact NATSPEC via email at bim@natspec.com.au

PROJECT INFORMATION PROFORMA

Project outline
Project name:
Project number:
Address:
Owner/client details:
Contracting agency:
Project Manager:

Project contacts
For information about:
 The building and project brief:
 The bidding process:
 Site access:

Project brief
(See the briefing information items in the Client-Lead BIM Adviser discussion checklist.)

Service description
Scope of services required by type and/or project phase:

Insurances
Specific insurance requirements including minimum insurance levels for:
 Public Liability Insurance:
 Workers Compensation Insurance:
 Professional Indemnity Insurance:

Contract particulars
Terms of the Client/Consultant Agreement:
Special conditions or departures from the client organisation’s standard conditions:

Bid selection
Selection criteria:
Selection procedure and program:
Terms and conditions:

Submittal instructions
Format:
Submission methods:
Submission rules:
Closing dates:

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This proforma can be adapted for Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) or Requests for Proposals (RFP). While a RFQ
seeks information applicable to a number of projects, a RFP seeks proposals for addressing project-specific
requirements.
Submissions should be assessed against a set of selection criteria. Submissions should directly address the
selection criteria. For all items other than general organisation details, information relevant to BIM can be highlighted
in a BIM Capability Statement that follows a similar format to that below.
This proforma is not exhaustive. Edit it to suit the project. If you think it contains inaccuracies or ambiguities, or you
have suggestions for improving it, please contact NATSPEC via email at bim@natspec.com.au

RFQ or RFP PROFORMA

Organisation details
RFQ or RFP Contact (To answer questions about the response to the RFQ or RFP):
General contact details:
Company details:
Directors and credentials:
Key personnel and credentials:
Founding date and history:
Financial statement:
Professional Indemnity and other insurances:
Disclosure statements (Legal or financial problems, conflicts of interest):
Affiliations:

Resources
Office facilities:
Personnel:
Training programs:
Partnerships or consortia with other consultants:
Digital resources and infrastructure including:
 Hardware:
 Software:
 ITC network:
Office standards and procedures including those specifically relating to BIM and CAD:
Model object and CAD libraries:

Technical capabilities and maturity

Experience/project types completed:
Areas of specialisation/expertise:
Experience, capability and maturity with a number of BIM uses (Provide a statement about each use in
the same listing order found in the NATSPEC National BIM Guide and Project BIM Brief):
Software used (list those used for each purpose):
File formats that can be delivered and received:
Typical deliverables that can be provided:
Awards received:
Testimonials:
References:

Management capabilities
Project management and administration systems including:
 Programing:
 Time and cost control:
 Quality assurance:
 Communications:

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Collaborative working capabilities

Collaborative experience with:
 Other consultants/multi-disciplinary teams:
 Project collaboration platforms:
 Model sharing and exchanging data between software applications using different file types:

Familiarity with standards including:

 Collaborative information management standards:
 Client standards and procedures:

Collaborative working requirements

Details of what is required from other consultants in order to work collaboratively and implement the BIM
uses and provide the deliverables noted under Technical capabilities and maturity, e.g. file formats,
model content, model setup. Note against each BIM use and deliverable as appropriate.

Capacity
Current commitments and capacity:
Capacity/availability projections:

Project specific items (RFPs only)

Qualification statement (Why the organisation is the best suited for the project):
Return brief (if requested or appropriate):
Proposed response to project (approach, methodology):
Project team (including partnerships or consortia with other consultants):
Proposed response to scope of services requirements (including program):
Contractual limitations statement (Response/exceptions to the proposed Client/Consultant Agreement):
Proposed fees for scheduled items: